Posts I've Made

Not sure why people are mad about this. I think Richards is extremely underrated and plays well at both ends of the ice. Sure there's a log jam of forwards/centers but I think it's a good problem to have and opens up the ability for trades.

Besides the fact it's a one year deal and we have the cap space. Why just let the money sit there for a year?

Because that's what we do in this forum. We trash talk and play armchair GM. Today couldn't have gone much better. I love the signings. Green took a big discount and Richards is a $3 million player. He also took a discount last year since he was paid big on the prior contract with the Rangers. Other than trading Ericcsson to clear space for one of our young defensemen, I'm happy. B+ Grade Kenny Holland.

A couple of points that should be encouraging even to the most cynical of fans.
1. For two straight years we have looked horrible in the first 10-15 minutes of almost ever game. A new voice in the locker room Will Improve our teams starts. If only because we simply can't be that bad again.
2. Blashill will breathe new life into some dead/stagnant players. Will it be Weiss (if he's still here) Franzen, Jurco? No idea, but I'm convinced a few will come alive.
3. Our goalie situation will be much better this year. Competition will bring out the best in both resulting in a more consistent year between the pipes. Blashill has confidence in Mrazek and should make him feel comfortable.
4. I think we have a good enough team (make the playoffs) that Blash can make some mistakes, test some lines and learn NHL matchups and we will still have enough points.
5. I have to believe that Kenny will finally upgrade the Blue Line (of course I say this every year) with some serious talent which should push Big E back down to the 2nd pairing. Thus making it easier for Blashill. On the other hand, I think Blashill will be a better evaluator of which kids are ready to replace our current veteran crop and therefore able to see who is expendable.

I said this before the season ended but the only way we will know how good of a coach Mike Babcock was for this team is if he left. I'm excited that we are going to find out if our lineup is REALLY as bad as most people on this blog think or if perhaps, a guy like Blashill will be able to get more out of the youngsters in a way Babs couldn't.
Another good thing, if we have a very similar or worse year, guess what? That means Holland is going to be forced to significantly upgrade this team.
I hope we go get a top pair defensemen but I'm afraid Holland is going to take a wait and see approach giving Blashill an assessment based on a similar roster.
I'm optimistic and 100% believe Blashill is going to be the right coach.

Here's what is going to happen and some of what I hope will happen:
1. Free Agents will once again be attracted to Detroit
2. No more struggles for two years at a time (not showing up to play in 1st period). Players will respect Blashill and come to play without having to get yelled at.
3. Players will have more freedom: to drive the net or take one-timers because they won't be forced to wait for a net front screen.
4. Dats will not go back to Russia ASAP.
5. Players won't look slow and worn out after 3 days off.
6. Pulkinnen will be the sniper we hoped he would be.
7. I'm fully expecting some locker room leaks discussing how much some players lost respect for Babs.